DAC Utilize Sound Card

[cmander10]

I am looking to buy a new DAC and amp soon. If I buy a DAC with optical or 3.5mm inputs, will I be able to get surround processing out of a sound card?
 
Also, will there be any electronic noise difference from sound card vs motherboard? The sound card>DAC>amp>headphones setup would be for gaming, but I would want to get the best sound quality for music (no surround/imaging needed from sound card for music if it lowers quality).

 

[cel4145]

A DAC does not take 3.5 mm inputs. It only takes digital inputs. If your sound card has optical out, then yes. An optical DAC would be the way to go to use the virtual surround processing of your sound card.

However, if this is for headphones, then you need a headphone amp to connect to the DAC (if stand alone), or a combined DAC/headphone amp that does it all.

 

[cmander10]

I will be getting an amp. Couldn't I get a 3.5mm to USB cord if the sound card didn't have optical out. 

 

[cel4145]

I will be getting an amp. Couldn't I get a 3.5mm to USB cord if the sound card didn't have optical out. 

You mean convert the 3.5mm output from your sound card in your computer? No. It has already been converted to analog.

Now, some sound cards do have mini optical outputs via a 3.5mm jack. That's a different thing and it requires an optical cable.

Go look at the manual for your sound card and see what it has